Chapter 129 The Background of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Life is often unsatisfactory, with few people to confide in.
Two and a half years ago…
After years of pain and struggle in the Red Room, Natasha yearned to escape her life of killing.
During a mission, she was defeated by Hawkeye and invited by him to join S.H.I.E.L.D. Hawkeye promised to help her hide her past and allow her to start anew as an Agent.
After joining S.H.I.E.L.D., Natasha worked diligently and never thought of becoming a manager.
It wasn't until her experience leading a team to find Hulk that she clearly realized: a small Agent has no human rights, and she needed to at least become a Deputy Director...
Otherwise, she couldn't even achieve the freedom to sleep.
However, Natasha also understood.
Compared to the other candidate, Coulson, she was inferior in terms of background, qualifications, connections, and financial resources.
Firstly, she was not a genuine native of the United States; her origin in Snezhnaya was a disadvantage.
Secondly, she had only been with S.H.I.E.L.D. for two and a half years, not as long as Coulson, which was another disadvantage.
And what about Coulson?
Since joining S.H.I.E.L.D. in 1995 as Nick Fury's assistant, Coulson had accumulated countless honors during his 15-year career as an Agent.
His background was even more impeccable.
He was a genuine native of the United States, even more deeply rooted than Nick Fury.
Considering all of the above, Natasha had absolutely no hope of being elected Deputy Director.
Even though she had paid to bribe Fury…
Since she had no hope, there was naturally no restraint or attachment.
Just like yesterday, after bringing the Captain who was frozen in ice back, Natasha didn't linger at all. She went straight home and fell asleep.
She never expected that she would actually get the position?
Tell Me Why?
There was no time to think, as congratulations completely engulfed Natasha in a sea of happiness.
"Congratulations, Deputy Director Romanoff."
"Congratulations on your promotion."
Even Coulson, who had already realized that "the more you do, the more mistakes you make; if you do nothing, you make no mistakes," offered his congratulations.
"Natasha, congratulations."
But no one could say how much of his congratulation contained the relief of having seen through the ways of the world for himself, and how much was genuine joy for Natasha.
"Thank you, I'll treat everyone tonight. Please come if you're free."
The competition for Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.temporarily concluded with Agent Natasha Romanoff's election.
However, one wave had not settled before another rose.
There was no time to celebrate Natasha's election as Deputy Director, as the news of Steve Rogers joining S.H.I.E.L.D. swept away all discussions about the former like an autumn wind scattering fallen leaves.
The congratulations and exclamations that had not yet warmed up vanished in an instant.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Tower, Director's Office.
Upon hearing that Captain America had joined S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury, who had been lying in his chair licking his wounds a second ago, instantly sprang to life.
"What? Captain Rogers is here?"
The secretary smiled broadly: "Yes, Director."
"Senator Murdoch is currently with Captain Rogers, handling his onboarding."
"Onboarding?" Seeming to realize something, Nick Furycursed inwardly: "Which department did they go to?"
"Quick Reaction Special Forces."
"Shit!"
"I knew that guy wasn't that kind."
As the saying goes, one step behind, always behind.
At this moment, Nick Fury clearly realized: if he didn't do something, Captain America would completely leave him, just like Tony Stark did back then.
So what exactly needed to be done to bring Captain America under his command?
Years of experience as an Agent quickly allowed Nick Fury to find the blind spot amidst his chaotic thoughts.
"That's right, Peggy Carter..."
Peggy Carter, one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D., was Captain Rogers' beloved.
"Hmph, no matter how cunning you are, Murdoch, what can you do? Can you compare to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s deep foundation?"
Without further ado, Nick Fury looked at his secretary and instructed: "I'm going out for a bit. Report any developments in the agency to me at any time."
He planned to personally visit the former Director's home and use the 'wife' route to completely bind Captain America to his cause.
As long as Peggy Carter spoke up, Nick Fury couldn't think of any reason to lose.
"Yes, Director."
At this moment, on the 9th floor of S.H.I.E.L.D. Tower, which was the Quick Reaction Special Forces floor.
Qin Mo handed the freshly printed Agent ID, still smelling of ink, to Steve: "Captain, this will be your workplace from now on."
After speaking, he introduced: "This is Rumlow, the Captain of the Quick Reaction Special Forces."
"Hello, Officer." Steve extended his hand proactively.
"No, no, no." Rumlow's genuine emotions showed: "I'm your fan, Mr. Rogers. Since I was a child, I've dreamed of fighting alongside you."
Heaven knows, Rumlow had never imagined he could truly fight alongside Captain America.
All of this was due to his boss's kindness.
If it weren't for his boss leading HYDRA to completely whitewash itself, how would he have the opportunity to stand openly before the Captain?
Seeing Rumlow tightly gripping Steve's hand and not letting go, Qin Mo reminded him.
"Rumlow, go advance some salary for Steve and arrange his accommodation..."
Rumlow immediately patted his chest and guaranteed: "Boss, you can rest assured with me!"
"Alright then, I still have a meeting..."
Thinking of the meeting, Qin Mo felt helpless. After becoming a senator, he hadn't embezzled much money; it all went to meetings!
Fortunately, it was just an internal Safety Council meeting; he only needed to argue with the other four senators...
At the elevator entrance in the lobby on the first floor, Qin Mo met Nick Fury, who had just exited the elevator.
"Senator."
"Fury."
This was the influence of status; Qin Mo could call him by his first name, while Nick Fury could only call him Senator.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two parted ways.
Looking at the direction Nick Fury left, Qin Mo shook his head with a smile.
Nick Fury, how should I put it, gives people a feeling of being cunning but not quite clear-headed. He actually wants to scheme for Steve using Peggy Carter.
Due to the information gap, Nick Fury had no idea that Steve currently lacked the courage to face his aging beloved—Peggy Carter.
If Steve were willing, why would Nick Fury need to go to such lengths?
Wouldn't he go himself?
Returning to the Safety Council Building, after arguing with the other four rogue representatives for an hour...
Qin Mo went to Pierce's office to continue the internal HYDRA meeting.
"Dr., Captain America is in position. It's time to initiate the decapitation plan."
"Boss," Zola said, "There's a problem now. Given S.H.I.E.L.D.'s current strength, the HYDRA families led by Gideon Malick's family won't last long at all."
"We need more time to plunder the assets under the names of the major families."
Upon hearing this, Qin Mo asked inexplicably: "How much do you think the HYDRA Ancestor is worth?"
Chapter 130 How much is the Hydra Ancestor worth?
HYDRA's progenitor?"
Upon hearing this, Pierce gasped.
Earlier that morning, when Zola and Pierce were chatting, they mentioned that the Boss had sold Captain America for 1 billion pounds, and Nick Fury had swindled Switzerland Bank out of 1 billion.
Therefore, when Pierce heard "HYDRA's progenitor," he immediately realized: the Boss was about to scam someone again.
Unlike Pierce's shock, Zola was already used to it and even directly entered the discussion.
"Boss, do you know Hive's whereabouts?"
"Hmm, I know a little," Qin Mo said.
"Hive was the first Inhuman in history, banished to Maveth because of his immense power."
"To welcome Hive back, his followers formed HYDRA."
"In the 19th century, several prominent HYDRA families used the Monolith to transport living believers to PlanetMaveth, to be sacrificed and nourish Hive."
"However, they only knew how to open the portal, but never mastered the technology to bring people back."
If Qin Mo wished, he could simply wave his hand and summon Hive, who was banished to Maveth, before him.
Selling Hive was a profitable venture!
Pierce then came to his senses: "No wonder the Malick family opposed the Insight Project; they were afraid our branch of HYDRA would grow too strong."
Zola's projection flickered wildly, seemingly calculating the appropriate selling price for Hive.
"Boss, among the three HYDRA branches, ours was established by Red Skull, mimicking HYDRA's operational system. It's not legitimate, and it started the latest."
"Baron Strucker and the Gideon Malick family both belong to Hive's legitimate HYDRA branch."
"However, Strucker's faith in Hive is not as firm as the Malick family's."
"I suggest it's best to sell to the Malick family."
Qin Mo nodded in agreement: "That's what I was thinking too. The key is—how much is appropriate to sell it for?"
He didn't want to be like before, only charging 5 million for something as dangerous as rescuing Tony… that was a huge loss.
So, he would have to sell Hive for an exorbitant price.
"How about 100 billion?"
Hearing this, Pierce hesitantly said, "Isn't that a bit too much?"
Pierce, having once been the nominal leader of the three HYDRA branches, naturally knew the vast wealth under the other two HYDRA branches.
However, selling one Hive for 100 billion…
Even if Hive was HYDRA's progenitor, Pierce still felt the price was a bit excessive…
Was this the correct way for a Boss to operate?
Qin Mo lit a cigarette: "Dr., what do you think?"
"I think it's too little," Zola said, astonishingly.
"Why?" Qin Mo asked.
Zola explained: "The legitimate HYDRA loyal to Hiveisn't just the Malick family; there are three other major families."
"If 100 billion is split among the four families, each only gets a mere 25 billion, which isn't much at all."
"You can ask for a bit more."
"However, considering you need cash, this transaction might take a while. You know, asset liquidation takes time."
Zola had experienced this firsthand.
Ever since Murdoch became the Boss, even after two full years, the assets under their HYDRA branch had not been completely severed yet.
"In that case," Qin Mo decided:
"Then, in the name of the High Table—first, release the news about Hive, giving the four families some time to prepare the funds."
"Okay, leave it to me." Zola accepted the task.
Qin Mo stubbed out the cigarette.
Earning a bit of money was truly troublesome. To think he, a grand super-universal being, was still plotting how to make money on Earth.
Damn it!
Actually, when he first entered the multiverse.
Qin Mo had tried material transformation, commonly known as the Midas Touch, attempting to mass-produce valuable metals and then sell them for a good price.
But the system begged on its knees: the darn author doesn't allow it, go scold him, don't give a bad review!
"Oh, right, how's the whitewashing going? Have all the loose ends been cut clean?"
"Don't worry, it's all taken care of."
"Good." Qin Mo paused, then continued: "Out of consideration for the personal safety of our business partners, the beheading plan… let's make Baron Strucker suffer first."
"Dr., find a way to sell information about Baron Strucker's HYDRA branch to Nick Fury."
"This… alright." Zola was utterly speechless.
Nick Fury meeting the Boss was truly eight lifetimes of bad luck; if Nick Fury could save a single penny, he would be amazing.
And Captain America, let alone saving money, with Winter Soldier around, Captain already owed the Boss several hundred million.
He also heard there was a wizard who lived for several hundred years, scammed by the Boss to the point of only being able to live in a small wooden house…
Tony Stark also, because of the Boss, was so poor he only had a few million in cash left…
At this moment, Zola couldn't help but feel sad for the guys targeted by the Boss, truly wanting to suggest to them: Danger! Danger! Get away quickly!
"Boss, how much is appropriate to sell it for?"
"Still the same as last time, you pick the target, I'll control it. Then I'll go negotiate the price with Nick Fury."
"No problem."
After thinking for a moment, Qin Mo continued: "A few days ago, I explored outside Earth for a while and accidentally heard a secret…"
"Skrulls have the effect of enhancing male potency."
When his words fell, the intense discussion he imagined did not appear; instead, there was a prolonged silence.
This was simply because Zola was an AI, without even a body, and had no interest in male potency at all.
Pierce, having injected the Perfect Five-Five Serum, was as strong as an ox and naturally didn't need it either.
Two years ago, due to rumors that Vampires could prolong life, Vampires on Earth were almost wiped out; only two or three Vampire Dukes survived by seeking refuge with Baron Strucker.
Now, Skrulls could enhance male potency…
Thinking of this, Zola finally reacted: the Boss was using his old trick again, preparing to scam people and make money.
"Boss, this… let's sell it by the gram."
"Otherwise?"
"Dr., I have a group of Skrulls imprisoned at the Hudson River Base. Later, you can go collect some blood, confirm the male potency-enhancing effect, and then set up a grinding production line to manufacture male potency powder."
This time, Qin Mo wasn't going to share the information like last time; he wanted to monopolize the profits.
The primitive accumulation of capital was inherently bloody, and he had no psychological burden towards the green-skinned Skrulls.
The ancestors said: Not of our kind, their hearts must be different.
The original timeline was exactly like this.
After the Avengers' ultimate battle, as superheroes either sacrificed themselves or went into seclusion, the Skrulls, who had been lurking on Earth for years, finally showed their fangs and launched a secret invasion war.
They attempted to rule humanity, making humans their slaves.
This couldn't help but make one complain—Captain Marvel Carol and Nick Fury, those two bleeding hearts, actually agreed to let an alien race, whose entire population possessed shapeshifting abilities, settle on Earth.
What were they thinking???
They were truly two idiots.
Now, Qin Mo's actions were about nipping the hidden danger in the bud, contributing to the liberation of humanity; it was heroic, just, selfless…
Alright, not entirely selfless.
"No problem."
Zola was fully engaged: "Boss, what should the product be called? Mango Potency Powder?"
"How about Power Pill?"
Chapter 131: Using Money to Pave the Way and Conquer Murdoch
Great Strength Pill?!"
Zola originally wanted to complain, but remembering his boss's art of swindling, which was more terrifying than his combat power, he forcibly suppressed the urge to complain.
His small private fund accumulated over seventy years was gone. If he angered his boss and his small private fund accumulated over the past two years was discovered, what would he do?
Forget it, Great Strength Pill it is, as long as the boss is happy.
Fortunately, Zola was an artificial intelligence without a body. The thought of the Great Strength Pill being green pills made from powdered Skrulls…
Artificial intelligence Zola felt inexplicably nauseous and quickly changed the subject.
"Boss, Bruce Banner's progress is rapid. Relying on the car manufacturing related enterprises left by HYDRA, it is estimated that in another half a year, you will see the first Mango Car."
"Thank you, Dr.," Qin Mo said sincerely.
Fortunately, he was clever back then. After subduing Pierce, he successfully brought Zola under his command by threatening to destroy all servers.
He was able to lie down and count money with great ease.
Just like Jarvis by Tony's side, artificial intelligence Zolabecame a more important asset to Qin Mo than Pierce.
Zola was responsible for whitewashing, Zola and Piercewere jointly responsible for cutting HYDRA's assets, and Zola was still responsible for global monitoring…
He was truly a super workaholic.
After setting the three main goals for the near future, the internal HYDRA meeting concluded successfully. Qin Mo then remembered that Hua Shi Ren's daughter was still recovering in bed…
"Gentlemen, I have something else to attend to, I'll be leaving first."
Before he finished speaking, Qin Mo's figure had completely disappeared, and then reappeared on the west side of Manhattan Island—the Hudson Riverbank Villa.
Seeing the figure that had completed its second development busy in the kitchen, Qin Mo hugged Lily Ellis from behind, his hands skillfully reaching into her clothes.
"It's indeed much bigger."
Lily rolled her eyes: "I already told you it was for your benefit, and you're still dawdling and unwilling…"
What to do when a woman is angry? Go for it!
Qin Mo fully utilized his initiative, spurring Lily Ellis on and vividly demonstrating to her kinetic energy conversion, life science, Revolving King…
It wasn't until an hour later that she stammered, incoherent, and begged for mercy on her knees.
"Quickly send me back, I have a meeting tomorrow."
The relationship between Qin Mo and Hua Shi Ren's daughter, Lily Ellis, was one of mutual understanding but infrequent meetings.
Or rather, the five women currently maintaining stable relationships with him were all career-oriented strong women, not love-struck.
Maria Hill: S.H.I.E.L.D. Deputy Director.
Skye: Murdoch Firm CEO.
Lily Ellis: Hua Shi Ren's secretary.
Jane Foster: Astronomy researcher.
Tina: Eternal Valkyrie.
After sending Lily Ellis back to Washington, Qin Moreturned to Hyde Garden for a date with Tina, only to suddenly realize that he had five fish in his pond…
"Holy crap… how did it suddenly become five?"
In fact, if you count the princesses from various countries around the world who had injected the Perfect Five-Five Serum, it would have already exceeded a hundred.
Fortunately, those were just fleeting romances…
Once the water dried up, they went their separate ways.
"No, Hill is an ex-girlfriend, Skye is a good sister, Lily is a sugar mommy, Jane is the current girlfriend, and Tinais a casual partner…"
Thinking about it this way, Qin Mo was very devoted.
He only had one current girlfriend, so wasn't he devoted?
After successfully convincing himself, Qin Mo drove fearlessly, taking Tina on a date.
Since acquiring Fairy Force Yang, he had hardly bought any items from the system store, only saving up for bigger goals, attempting a breakthrough in one fell swoop.
Then he would completely lie flat and rot.
The hunger brought by Fairy Force, because it was not a complete Fairy Force, did not cause him to lose control to the point of devouring everything.
After a passionate exchange, Qin Mo read a message about him from Tina's consciousness—Arishem the Judge was about to descend upon Earth.
Only to visit him, this wild Celestial… and to formally enroll him into the Celestial race.
"What the heck?! Ajak, that square-faced woman, actually called me—Wild Celestial My Lord?!"
"F*ck!!!"
The more Qin Mo thought about it, the angrier he became. In a fit of anger, he pressed Tina, who had just raised her head, back down again.
Regarding Arishem the Judge, Qin Mo had originally planned to take him as a subordinate, but since he was coming to incorporate him into the Celestial race, taking him as a subordinate seemed inappropriate.
If not a subordinate, then he could only be taken as a beast of burden.
Celestial beasts of burden, these were even rarer than nuclear-powered beasts of burden. Not only were they extremely durable, but they were also both intelligent and strong.
Things like the Eternal, Deviants, Mutants, Kree, and Skrulls were all products of Celestial experiments.
The Celestials were one of the earliest life forms born in the Universe, capable of arbitrarily modifying the Universe's basic settings and underlying operating logic.
Becoming a member of such a race had both advantages and disadvantages for Qin Mo.
The advantage was that it was good to lean on a big tree for shade, and because the Celestials never acted alone, the beasts of burden he summoned would never be just one Celestial.
The disadvantage was that, to some extent, the Celestials, like Kamar-Taj, were a mess.
From the Sorcerer Supreme Gu Yi down to ordinary magic apprentices in Kamar-Taj, everyone carried a magic debt, whether large or small.
Each member of the Celestials, according to their division of labor, largely bore the responsibility of being cosmic gardeners—creating stars to light up the Universe, finding life Planets, planting Celestial Seeds, judging whether life forms needed to survive…
At the same time, they resisted invasions from the Dark Celestials.
The conflict between the Celestials and the Dark Celestials had a long history and could not be explained clearly in a short time, so it would be discussed later…
In short, obtaining a formal position with the Celestialsmeant having endless rights, but also numerous responsibilities and obligations.
And Qin Mo was the type who wanted rights but didn't want to fulfill responsibilities and obligations… just like becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.
…
Kamar-Taj, backyard.
Sorcerer Supreme Gu Yi was sitting in front of the tea table in the pavilion, looking troubled.
Not long ago, unable to resist her curiosity, Ancient Oneonce again used the Time Stone to peek into the future…
The result.
Well, the once clear future had somehow been obscured by a thick mist, and all the future scenes she had once glimpsed had disappeared.
It seemed that the future was constantly changing, and due to certain decisions made by a certain person, the future had infinite possibilities.
This made Ancient One's desire to retire even more urgent. She couldn't wait any longer and didn't want to continue waiting.
So, how to make Murdoch willingly ascend to Sorcerer Supreme became the key step in her retirement.
In fact, Ancient One understood.
Given Murdoch's greed, she only needed to pay him a large sum of money, and that kid would definitely eagerly ascend to Sorcerer Supreme—taking over the mess that was Kamar-Taj.
After much deliberation, Ancient One's hesitant eyes suddenly became incomparably firm.
"Even if I have to humble myself and beg for money, I will pave the way with money and make Murdochsubmit…"
Chapter 132 Ancient One is in urgent need of a huge sum of money
Kamar-Taj, a secret realm.
Having been crowned Sorcerer Supreme for many years, Ancient One had never felt so absurd: she would be troubled by a lack of money.
She used to think, what use was money to a Sorcerer Supreme, who was like an ascetic monk?
Now she realized: it was actually very useful.
More useful than anything else.
If she had money, all her troubles would be resolved: Murdoch would take over as Sorcerer Supreme, and she would gracefully retire and follow Eternity.
If it couldn't be solved, then it must be because there wasn't enough money.
But unfortunately.
As the hub of Earth's magic defense system, Kamar-Tajdid not emphasize material wealth.
Its three main outposts—the New York Sanctum, the London Sanctum, and the Hong Kong Sanctum—stored countless magical treasures and artifacts.
And the Kamar-Taj secret realm itself boasted magical facilities like training grounds, a library, and a main hall for spell formations.
But these were fixed assets and could not be liquidated.
To impress Murdoch with enough money, she could only find another way.
Secular people once said: some things you either have at birth, or you'll never have them in this life.
At this moment, Ancient One deeply understood this.
If she were like Odin, destined to be the God King of Asgard from birth, wouldn't she have as much money as she wanted?
Or if she were more powerful than Murdoch, she could simply abduct him by force and crown him Sorcerer Supreme.
However, all of these were just hypotheses...
Sitting before the tea table in the pavilion, Ancient Oneno longer had her previous serene demeanor; instead, she resembled a secular person feeling incredibly melancholic due to a lack of money.
Money, where can I get money?
She urgently needed a large sum to resolve the successor issue and then depart.
After a long while, Ancient One pulled out a small notebook and began to draw and write:
Borrow a large sum from Odin, and after Murdoch is crowned Sorcerer Supreme, she would fake her death and leave; a dead person means a canceled debt.
Given Odin's current cautiousness, he would surely not dare to demand repayment from Murdoch, nor would he dare to ask Eternity for the debt.
"Hmm, although this plan is disgraceful, it's still a good method."
Or double the tuition fees for Kamar-Taj?
After a moment of thought, Ancient One shook her head.
Doubling tuition... distant Water cannot quench a nearby thirst, and moreover, it would very likely shake the foundation of Kamar-Taj.
She only wanted to retire as soon as possible, not to sever the roots of Kamar-Taj.
Because most apprentices came from poor families, one or two rich second-generation apprentices would not solve the problem at all.
Unless, she took in a few rich first-generation apprentices...
"Hmm?" Ancient One's eyes lit up, and she instantly felt that this was also a good idea.
Compared to rich second-generation apprentices, rich first-generation apprentices offered much more room for maneuver.
Considering Murdoch sold the darkhold for 1 billion pounds to Agatha, would it be too much for her, Ancient One, to charge 100 million for tuition?
100 million per apprentice, 10 apprentices would be 1 billion...
First, raise 2 billion as a down payment, then use both methods simultaneously, borrowing money from Odinto make up 10 billion.
That should be enough to secure Murdoch!
Without further ado, Ancient One got up and walked directly to the Kamar-Taj library, finding the librarian, Wang.
"Sorcerer Supreme." Wang bowed respectfully.
Ancient One went straight to the point: "Wang, given Kamar-Taj's insufficient funds these past years and the apprentices' overly impoverished lives, I plan to take in some disciples from the secular world to subsidize household expenses."
"Ah?" Wang's chubby round face was full of confusion: "Master, I don't understand."
Ancient One sighed, then helplessly leaned close to Wang's ear and whispered, "The family is out of money. Find some big spenders to pay tuition."
"Oh." Wang finally reacted: "Master, tell me the bottom line, how much tuition are you planning to charge?"
Oh my, Master has finally come to her senses.
Kamar-Taj's hard times are over!
The joy in Wang's heart had just surged, but it was extinguished by Ancient One's next words, like a bucket of cold Water.
"100 million per person, temporarily set at 20 slots."
Hearing 100 million, Wang's eyes widened, filled with disbelief: "This... isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
Ancient One seemed to feel a bit awkward, left a sentence, and hurriedly turned to leave.
"Say no more, you just go find people."
After seeing his Master walk away, Wang mumbled: "100 million, where am I going to find that?"
Did she really think the money of those big spenders just blew in with the wind? 100 million U.S. dollars... that immediately excludes 99.99% of people on Earth.
Wang sat at his desk, pulled out his newly bought Mango Phone, and began to search for the rich list.
Only the billionaires on the list could afford 100 million U.S. dollars in tuition.
[2010 Rich List]
[Tony Stark, major shareholder of Stark Industries, shareholder of Mango Phone... net worth approximately 80 billion]
[Qin Murdoch, shareholder of Mango Phone, shareholder of Garden Bank... net worth approximately 50 billion]
[Kingpin... net worth approximately 30 billion...]
After noting down the billionaires on the list one by one, Wang changed his clothes, then with a thought, opened a portal and went to the New York Sanctum, preparing to visit Tony Stark first.
It was strange, though.
For the past year, aside from the Mango Phone press conference, Stark seemed to have disappeared, rarely showing up.
After much inquiry, Wang arrived at the new building Stark Industries had just moved into earlier this year.
"Hello, I'm looking for Mr. Stark."
"Sir, do you have an appointment?"
"Appointment?" Wang shook his head.
"Sorry, sir, according to company policy, if you don't have an advance appointment, I'm afraid I cannot announce you."
"Thank you." Wang turned and left.
Standing in front of Stark Tower, Wang had a feeling—he seemed out of place with everything around him.
Yes, he was sent to Kamar-Taj by his father at a young age, became a disciple of Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One, and practiced magic.
Although he was not completely cut off from the secular world, in these years, besides practicing magic, Wang spent most of his time in the library, occasionally rotating to guard the three Sanctums.
As for this kind of recruitment work.
It was like Xiao Chunnan encountering a rich woman with a steel wool scrubber; he had neither experience nor a solution, so he could only tough it out.
After failing the first recruitment attempt, Wang did not continue, but returned to the New York Sanctum. He planned to use the portal spell to directly find Tony Stark.
The high-EQ way of saying it—inviting the other party to Kamar-Taj to learn magic.
The low-EQ way of acting—big spender, pay up!
At this moment, inside Stark Tower.
Nano-Technology Laboratory.
The trio of Tony, Zhao Hailun, and Ethan had been in seclusion for a year and a half, yet they still hadn't completely solved how to apply nano-technology to the Mark Armor.
"Holy crap!!!"
If there weren't living examples, they might feel better, thinking they weren't stupid, but rather limited by current technological levels.
However, the culmination of nano-technology—the White Can Armor—was right in front of them, constantly mocking them: "Weaklings, if you're bad, practice more!"
Tony, who had never been inferior to anyone in his life, wearily rubbed his throbbing temples.
This feeling was like facing a beauty lying on the bed, but he didn't know how to undress her.
Suddenly, a sizzling, sparking circle of light appeared out of thin Air in the trio's line of sight.
Immediately after, a chubby figure walked out.
"Mr. Stark, interested in learning magic?"
Chapter 133: I promise to teach you...
At first, Tony thought that such a grand entrance must be that kid Murdoch.
He never expected it to be a strange fat man.
A fat man in a red robe, even fatter than Happy, came up and asked.
"Mr. Stark, do you want to learn magic?"
Learn what the hell... When he remembered that even that kid Murdoch didn't know this kind of magic, a strange desire to win rose in Tony's heart. Learn, he must learn.
Once he mastered it, he would definitely show up in front of Murdoch whenever he had a chance, making up for all the opportunities to show off that he had missed in previous years.
"What should I call you?"
"Wang, librarian of Kamar-Taj."
As if worried that the other party wouldn't believe him, after the teleportation magic, Wang successively showed Tony: a magic shield, a magic whip, a magicspear...
After a long while, Wang looked at Tony with anticipation: "Mr. Stark, do you want to learn magic? Fair price, no cheating, guaranteed to teach until you master it."
"This..."
Tony stroked his chin. This seductive tone immediately brought Murdoch's figure to mind.
Too similar!
Could it be that kid was short on money again and came up with such a method to get money?
He's treating him like a Japanese!
To verify his guess, Tony asked: "Master Wang, how does your Kamar-Taj charge?"
Wang scratched his head, his eyes darting around, not daring to look directly at the other party: "Well... our fees aren't expensive, just one... one hundred million... dollars."
Hearing this, Tony's face showed an expression that said, "Sure enough."
It must be that kid Murdoch was short on money again, that's why he came up with such a method, which could let him learn magic and also collect a considerable fee.
Young people are so thin-skinned. If you're short on money, just say so.
Why beat around the bush like this? Tony Stark doesn't have much else, just a lot of money.
"No problem, give me the card number."
Hearing this, Wang stood frozen in place like a puppet.
That simple?
Could it be that he, Wang, the fat man, was naturally suited for this?
Or are the big spenders on the rich list really getting their money from nowhere and don't care about this one hundred million?
"Master? Card number, I'll transfer the money to you."
Tony's urging finally brought Wang back from his shock, and he quickly reported the bank card number.
"Garden Bank 7758521..."
Not long after, seeing the text message indicating that 300 million dollars had been credited to the bank account, Wang was completely stunned.
He asked for one hundred million, but they gave him three hundred million.
Is this the correct way for rich people to operate? Transfer money without even blinking an eye?
While delighted, Wang couldn't help but worry: What if this money came from an illegal source? It wouldn't matter to him in Kamar-Taj, but what about his parents?
This money... it's hot to handle.
Thinking of this, Wang quickly said,
"Mr. Stark, the tuition fee for each person is only 100 million dollars, guaranteed to teach until you master it..."
"I know."
Tony pointed to Zhao Hailun and Ethan beside him: "The three of us are exactly three hundred million."
"So that's how it is."
Wang raised his hand and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
The drastic change in his mindset within just a few minutes was truly thrilling.
He had completed three of the twenty slots temporarily set by his master in a few minutes. As expected, it was him, he was simply a born leader!
He asked, who else but him could be the next Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj?
Who else?!
"Mr. Stark, I'll take you to Kamar-Taj first to meet the Sorcerer Supreme."
"This..."
Tony looked at the unfinished Mark Armor, and for a moment, he found it difficult to choose.
Now that the nanotech application process was halfway complete, should he continue testing until it was fully successful, or take a break for a while and go to Kamar-Taj to learn magic?
This undoubtedly became a problem.
"Ethan, Dr. Zhao, what do you think?"
Zhao Hailun rested her chin on her hand, looking utterly lifeless.
"Tony, I haven't had a break in almost two years. For the sake of our years of friendship, let me go. I still want to have a sweet romance with my idol."
If it weren't to thank Tony for buying the serum from her idol at a high price, Zhao Hailun would have quit a long time ago.
She is a nanotechnology expert, a top scientific authority in this field, not a beast of burden!!
Even beasts of burden under the capitalist system at least have weekends, while she hadn't experienced what rest was for a whole year and a half.
Every day she opened her eyes, it was the nano armor, and when she closed her eyes, it was still nanoparticles. If she hadn't been injected with the serum, she would have probably died suddenly in the lab long ago.
Dr. Ethan was also exhausted: "Trying it out is good, just consider it a change of scenery. If we learn something, we can even create a magic armor..."
"magic armor?"
Tony's eyes lit up. That's a good idea: "Dr. Zhao, want to go take a look?"
Zhao Hailun waved her hand: "No, no, you guys go. I'll just rest for a while..."
However, when she heard Tony quietly say: "Dr., this might be your idol operating behind the scenes..."
Zhao Hailun's tone changed: "Going to see it is good too."
"Master Wang, thank you for your trouble."
"You're welcome, you're welcome."
Wang was beaming, and a sparkling portal instantly appeared behind him.
"Everyone, please."
After bringing the three of them back to Kamar-Taj, Wang was full of confidence and did not stop for a moment, immediately preparing to rush to his second target - the Safety Council Building.
At this moment, in the Safety Council Buildingconference room.
The five Security Council members were voting on India's application to become a permanent member.
Snezhnaya: "Agree!"
High Furnace Chicken: "Agree!"
Rabbit: "Agree!"
John Bull: "Agree!"
Seeing that the four council members had finished voting, all eyes in the conference room turned to the Great America representative: Murdoch.
Especially the Indian representative, the deep affection in his eyes was almost overflowing. With this crucial vote, they could become the sixth permanent member...
The dream of a great nation was about to become reality!
Qin Mo looked helplessly at the four Security Council members who were winking at him.
This was his daily work: talking nonsense.
"Veto!"
The Indian representative, hearing this, immediately exploded: "I object! What right do you have to disagree?"
Qin Mo tapped the gavel by his hand: "Objection overruled. Next item on the agenda."
...
After half an hour of bickering, Qin Mo returned to his office, preparing to refine a puppet clone to permanently station at the Security Council Building for him.
This way, he would be able to completely free up his time to do something meaningful... or someone.
At this moment, a familiar figure in the office suddenly stood up: "Councilman Murdoch, I'm very sorry to disturb you... Do you... want to learn magic?"
"Learn magic?"
Qin Mo raised an eyebrow: "Didn't your master tell you about me?"
"Ah? Did Master look for you?" Wang was greatly surprised.
"Yes, I don't need to learn magic, but I suggest you change your direction."
"Change my direction?" Wang quickly retorted.
"Yes, it's not just the billionaires on the rich list who are wealthy; those princesses in Europe are also quite rich."
Chapter 134 Ask her to raise tuition fees again
And the rich list, also known as the piglet list…"
Halfway through his sentence, Wang Xiaosheng interrupted, "Councilman Murdock, actually, you're on the rich list too…"
"Fuck!" Qin Mo said in exasperation, "Which idiot put me on there?"
Wang took out his phone, "Here, Horn Daily…"
Qin Mo took the phone and saw his name, King Murdock, prominently displayed on the 2010 Rich List.
"Good for you, Horn Daily, not bullying Peter, but bullying me, huh?"
He wasn't Peter Parker, who could only do awkward dances even when he turned dark; he was the Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. for two and a half years, and now Councilman Murdock.
Looking at all of New York, who would dare to provoke him, Murdock?
He had to put some pressure on the boss of Horn Daily, to make the old man properly weigh the value of power.
Qin Mo directly dialed a call, "Rumlow, bring a few brothers, go scare the boss of Horn Daily, remember not to kill him."
"Over."
Seeing this, Wang subconsciously took two steps back, afraid of accidentally offending this My Lord.
Actually, a councilman wasn't scary; what was scary was that the councilman knew kung fu, and his kung fu was not bad.
There was nothing to be done about that.
After all, you definitely couldn't reason with him, didn't you understand the value of a councilman?
And if you tried to fight, you couldn't beat him.
After hanging up the phone, Qin Mo looked at Wang and asked, "Where were we just now?"
Wang quickly replied, "Those Europe princesses."
"Right, these princesses are very generous with money; you just need to tell them that learning magic can extend their lifespan, and then just wait to collect the money."
"Also, when you go back, mention it to your master, one hundred million is too little, tell her to raise the tuition fee again."
Qin Mo was well prepared to take over Kamar-Taj, so he couldn't let Ancient One lower the tuition fee.
This would be a stable source of income in the future.
Think about it, a simple bail can be over a hundred million, so for something as important as learning magic, two hundred million dollars for tuition shouldn't be too much, right?
Magical, not magical at all.
If you think it's magical, it must be because you're too poor and haven't truly witnessed the extravagant life of the Celestial Dragons.
"Thank you." Wang cupped his hands and bid farewell, "Goodbye."
After seeing Wang disappear, Qin Mo immediately cast several magic circles, setting Hyde Garden, the One57 penthouse duplex, and the councilman's office as no-teleport zones.
He didn't want to be disturbed in his office later when playing games with his secretary.
Privacy is very important.
Councilman Murdock's privacy is even more important.
At first, Qin Mo thought that Ancient One had given up on the idea of him taking over as Sorcerer Supreme, but he never expected that she was holding back a big move.
Ancient One actually earned money by collecting tuition fees, just to make Qin Mo submit…
"Tsk tsk, it seems Ancient One is not a pedantic person after all, and even has the potential to become the third-ranked big boss."
So far, Dr. Zola has remained unmoving in his position as the top boss, with his private treasury alone surpassing everyone, not to mention the proceeds from HYDRA's asset liquidation.
Next was Pierce — who had given Qin Mo 20 billion in joining fees.
The original top boss, Tony Stark, has currently fallen to third place due to his recent busy work on nanotech breakthroughs.
Now, it depends on Ancient One's efforts, whether she can push out Tony and ascend to the third-ranked big boss position.
If Ancient One is sincere enough, Qin Mo really wouldn't mind taking on the mess of Kamar-Taj.
A mess also depends on the situation.
In Ancient One's hands, Kamar-Taj is a hub for protecting Earth's dimensional safety.
But if it were in Qin Mo's hands, he was confident he could transform Kamar-Taj into a money-making machine of banknote-printing level.
Just the teleportation magic alone has countless applications, for example:
High-end: alien immigration, interstellar trade, strolling through the treasuries of the three major empires...
Low-end: delivering goods, food delivery, express delivery...
Who, then, could save more time than mages who can teleport?
And time is money.
Because of his pay-to-win cheat, Qin Mo wished everyone would throw money at him, so he could quickly accumulate enough money to break through to the omniverse level.
If no one tipped him, he would also do a small business.
For example, he would take out a few of the Asgardian gold coins given by Odin, and then auction them off under the guise of high-end art.
It was much more cost-effective than recharging them into the system.
While taking out a few gold coins to give to Pierce to handle, Qin Mo suddenly remembered his grand-nephew, Thor.
"Damn it, I almost forgot about this unlucky kid."
...
Europe, Norway.
Non-Normal Human Research Center.
Several psychiatrists in white coats showed what they thought was their kindest smile to the Nordic man in the ward.
"Thor, it's time for your medicine."
Upon hearing "medicine," Thor instantly shivered, subconsciously retreating to the corner, holding his head in his hands.
"I'm not sick, I'm not sick!"
Whenever he thought of this tragic time, Thor couldn't help but shout a few words.
"Father, Father, I was wrong!"
"Good Samaritan Brother, save me!"
It seemed heaven had pity on him; after being tormented in the mental hospital for over half a month, Thor finally welcomed his savior.
Just as the Doctors were tying Thor to the bed, preparing to feed him medicine, a sudden change occurred.
Time seemed to have been paused, everything froze in place, only Thor remained unaffected.
Immediately after, Qin Mo appeared before Thor like a God descending from the heavens.
"It's you, I remember you, you're that dog couple…"
Seeing the man turn to leave, Thor's tone shifted, pleading bitterly, "Big brother, save me."
Qin Mo turned around and asked faintly, "Odin and I call each other brothers, so what do you think you should call me?"
Thor paused for a few seconds, then tentatively said, "Uncle?"
"Aye, good boy."
Untying Thor, Qin Mo said with a smile, "Come on, Uncle will take you to find Meow-Meow Hammer."
Hearing Meow-Meow Hammer, Thor finally believed: this person in front of him seemed, probably, possibly, really to be his uncle's generation…
"Uncle? Do you know where Meow-Meow Hammer is?"
"Of course." Qin Mo casually tore a rift in space, "Follow me."
Looking at the nightmare-like mental ward, Thor didn't hesitate at all, jumping straight in.
The next second, he had already appeared in New Mexico.
This miraculous method made Thor, who had always admired the strong, completely acknowledge this uncle.
My goodness, it's even faster than Bifrost Bridge.
As expected of someone who calls Father brother, there's actually such a strong person on Earth!
"Here, Meow-Meow Hammer is right here."
Seeing his beloved Meow-Meow Hammer, Thor used both hands to smooth his messy hair, laughing loudly.
"Uncle, watch closely."
Thor strode forward, grasping the handle of Mjolnirwith one hand, and said with a wild laugh.
"For the glory of the Northern God!"
Chapter 135: Bitterness first may not lead to sweetness later, but sweetness first will definitely lead to sweetness
For the glory of the Northern God."
Thor's knuckles tightened around the handle of Mjolnir.
The cold metallic sensation spread from his palm, as if a scorching power was surging through his veins to his limbs and bones.
"Next, I'm going to be awesome."
At this moment, a low chuckle escaped Thor's throat, and his eyes gleamed with anticipation—once his divine power fully returned, he would definitely find his uncle for a proper spar.
A serious spar!
However, the greater the hope one second, the greater the disappointment the next.
Thor struck a pose for a long time only to realize, awkwardly, that the Meow-Meow Hammer hadn't budged an inch?
What was going on?
"Hey, it's suddenly a bit rusty."
After defending himself, Thor used both hands and all his strength, attempting to lift the Meow-Meow Hammer.
"Ugh~ Ah~ Get up!"
At this moment, every inch of muscle on Thor's body was straining, veins bulging on his neck, twitching savagely along his jawline.
But the hammer that had accompanied him for a thousand years was now firmly embedded in the ground, and despite the trapped-beast-like growls escaping his throat, the hammer remained motionless.
One minute, two and a half minutes...
When the last ounce of strength drained from his taut limbs, Thor collapsed to the ground, looking helplessly at the sky.
"No, no, no."
"Father, Father, I was wrong."
"Father, you can't do this to me!"
Seemingly realizing something suddenly, Thordesperately hugged Qin Mo's thigh: "Uncle, help me, help me talk to Father…"
"Thor."
Qin Mo casually picked up Mjolnir: "I'll hold onto the Meow-Meow Hammer for you for a while. Once you truly understand what the power of Thor is, you'll naturally be able to lift the hammer."
For Thor, what was the power of Thor?
Answer: Missing his dad!
After a moment of silence, Thor slowly nodded: "Uncle, I'll listen to you…"
"Good boy." Qin Mo patted his big nephew's shoulder:
"Thor, Mr. Lu Xun once said: Suffering first does not necessarily mean sweetness later, but sweetness first is definitely sweet."
"Life as a god is short, don't waste your time, go do what you love to do."
Thor looked up at the sky, saying with a dejected expression: "Uncle, I don't know what I like to do."
"This…" Qin Mo paused: "It's not difficult."
"Your Uncle has many properties under his name, you can go see them one by one and find out which job you like."
Since he was already prepared to sell the Infinity Stones to Thanos, then taking in this large group of cattle and horses from Asgard didn't seem to be a problem.
Whether it's Asgard or Kamar-Taj, all of you work hard to earn money for me!
After a moment of thought, Thor nodded mechanically: "Okay, I'll listen to you, Uncle."
Seeing Thor like a soulless puppet, Qin Mo suddenly realized: Odin was not anxious about Thor being unable to become a qualified king, but rather lacked the ability to back Thor up.
Because… Odin was dying.
But for Qin Mo, this meant—the opportunity to make money was here again!
Brother Odin, want to live? Pay up!
It seemed that as long as he dared to think and could think, business opportunities were everywhere in the entire Marvel Universe.
In this instant, he felt completely enlightened.
After bringing Thor back to New York and dropping him off at Mango Car Company, Qin Mo returned to the Safety Council Building.
The words he had spoken to his big nephew not long ago gave Qin Mo a strange feeling—these words were equally valid for him: Suffering first does not necessarily mean sweetness later, but sweetness first is definitely sweet.
He had suffered for so many years, it was time to enjoy himself. From now on, this job would be handled by a puppet.
He should go enjoy life.
Casually refining a puppet and leaving it in the councilor's office, Qin Mo returned to Hyde Garden.
He went through his daily routine of bathing, changing clothes, burning incense, and praying, then habitually opened the mall and glanced at it.
"Transformer Legion, members include: Quintessa, Fallen King Kong, Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Alice, Shockwave, package price $1 billion."
"Holy crap…"
Indeed, after not spending for a long time, the money-grubbing system finally couldn't resist making a grand gesture.
This newly refreshed Transformer Legion had a total of seven characters, and popular characters like Buy a Bed weren't even among them.
The false creator Quintessa, the strongest among the Thirteen Original Primes, Fallen King Kong…
Marvelous, simply marvelous.
A price of $1 billion, for Qin Mo, who was now loaded with money, it was just a small sum.
"Purchase Transformer Legion."
"Ding, purchase successful…"
"Detecting that the current World is a transcendent World, do you wish to use the Galaxy Glaze in your warehouse to upgrade the material of your beloved cars."
"Upgrade." Qin Mo did not hesitate.
After all, this was the Marvel Universe, full of super-powered beings, and the Transformers' fragile bodies really couldn't withstand it.
"Ding, upgrade successful. This consumed a total of 70 tons of Galaxy Glaze. Current remaining: 0…"
Qin Mo immediately made a decision—Quintessa and Alice would stay, and the rest would all be packaged and given to Lockdown.
After all, Quintessa and Alice were among the few female characters in Transformers and possessed human forms.
Both their appearance and figures were quite good, worth him personally trying to gauge their depth.
After bringing Quintessa and Alice from the underground garage to warm his bed, Qin Mo casually tore open a spatial rift and sent Fallen King Kong, Megatron, and the other five Decepticons to Lockdownas his subordinates.
He would find time to go to outer space again and check on Lockdown and Starhawk's earnings during this period.
The first item was so wonderful that Qin Mo couldn't help but continue looking down.
"Conceptual God: Tom Cat…"
Chapter 136: The Cat That Cannot Be Explained by Common Sense
In the anime world, there's a common understanding: never compare combat power with characters from gag anime.
Because you'll find that you simply can't win.
Even Vegeta admitted after being thrashed by Arale: Don't fight with gag anime protagonists.
Among the various gag anime protagonists, Tom Cat, Gray Wolf, and Bait Master are the most overpowered, known as—the Three Conceptual Gods.
Things like hand-crafting aircraft carriers, hand-crafting nuclear bombs, and hand-crafting spaceships are genuinely effortless for these three; they can do it with just their hands.
On a side note: comparing combat power across different works usually isn't very convincing.
Friendly suggestion: Let the authors of the two works have a real-life PK; whoever wins, their character is stronger.
Tom Cat, his main body belongs to the British Shorthair blue and white cat.
Aside from the little white female cat Toodles, Tom Cathas almost no weaknesses and is nearly omnipotent.
Conceptual God: Tom Cat, price $10,000.
This price made Qin Mo lose confidence; based on his understanding of the dog system, higher prices correspond to greater strength.
A Conceptual God priced at $10,000 is extremely illogical, unless it's just an ordinary British Shorthair.
"Purchase Conceptual God Tom Cat."
"Ding, purchase successful... already appeared in the living room."
Looking at the naked Quintessa and Alice in the bed, Qin Mo got up and went downstairs without any hesitation.
Women are simply not worth mentioning compared to Tom Cat.
This is an anime character who has accompanied him for most of his life, an existence that can hard-control him at any time.
When Qin Mo saw the familiar blue-gray house cat on the living room sofa, he finally believed that the system had not tricked him.
"Tom Cat?"
The blue-gray cat straightened up and circled Qin Molike a little adult, seemingly asking—Are you this cat's new Master?
"Of course." Qin Mo shrugged: "Or you can call me Boss."
Promoting to a single Universe-level allows communication with all things; languages like dog language and cat language are no problem.
At this moment, Qin Mo really wanted to try—if Tom Cat could still revive after being burned to ashes.
Seemingly sensing some malice, Tom Cat instantly pulled out a white flag from behind him and raised both hands.
Surrender.
"This..." Qin Mo paused, then continued to probe: "I'm hungry."
Whoosh!
Tom Cat's speed was so fast that he left multiple afterimages, as if three or four cats were simultaneously bustling in the kitchen with clanging noises.
Three stoves were turned on at the same time.
Tom Cat, in a golden rooster independent stance, used one paw to toss the wok, another paw to chop vegetables, and yet another paw to add seasonings...
Looking at Tom Cat again, his front paws steadily held four steaming dishes, and a bubbling pot of soup was balanced on his head, the soup not spilling a single drop.
The next second, four dishes and one soup were neatly arranged on the dining table.
Even the napkins were carefully folded into flowers, and the cutlery and chopsticks were placed precisely in their respective positions.
Looking at the dishes, which were excellent in color, aroma, and taste, comparable to a Chinatown chef's, Qin Mo finally confirmed that this was the cat from his memories.
A magical cat that cannot be explained by common sense.
When inviting Tom Cat to dine with him, Qin Mo took out the darkhold from the system's warehouse and handed it over.
"Here, preschool textbook..."
"If you don't learn, I'll spank your bottom."
The dark magic recorded in the darkhold should not be too difficult for the Conceptual God Tom Cat.
Let's see how Tom Cat's cultivation speed is; if he achieves remarkable results, he might even be able to become the Sorcerer Supreme in the future if he gets the Book of Vishanti later.
At least better than Wong... right?
At least he can reach the level of the troublemaker Doctor Strange; the multiverse is definitely not a problem.
After realizing the power of the Conceptual God, Qin Mosincerely gave a thumbs-up to the system!
This should be the most cost-effective item besides Charm and Luck.
If he is fortunate enough to collect all three Conceptual Gods, it might even be possible to defeat OAA then.
After choosing a room on the first floor for Tom Cat as his bedroom, Qin Mo instantly teleported back to his own bed, preparing to dedicate himself to the research project—On the Tactile Sensation of Transformers...
Quintessa's appearance bears some resemblance to Sersi of the Eternal; compared to Sersi, Quintessa has a more rebellious temperament.
Conquering a woman who dares to call herself the Creator brings a greater sense of accomplishment.
As for Alice, she belongs to Great America, a traditional blonde, long-legged, big-breasted girl.
After some sparring, how should I put it?
Fortunately, it wasn't oil leaking.
Quintessa and Alice's appearances can only be described as above the passing line; after all, Qin Mo is a battle-hardened man who has seen all kinds of delicate beauties.
To some extent, the novelty of this sparring far outweighed the actual pleasure.
Now, his big family has successively gathered—Dragon Maid Thor, android Kara, mechanical life Quintessa, Alice...
It seems only fox spirits and female Angels are missing.
It's not in vain that he has lived this life again.
In the dead of night, Qin Mo embraced the two Transformers and drifted into dreamland.
...
John Bull, London.
According to the address recorded in the S.H.I.E.L.D.archives, Nick Fury traveled across the ocean, and after arriving in London, he made several transfers before reaching Peggy Carter's study.
Hearing the movement, Peggy Carter, who was recalling past events in her study, looked through her reading glasses and recognized the visitor.
"Oh, Director Fury has arrived."
Nick Fury quickly smiled and said, "I wouldn't dare; I am merely a junior agent under the old Director, how could I presume to call myself Director?"
When Fury joined S.H.I.E.L.D., Peggy Carter had already retired, but even after so many years, the legend of the first Director still circulated within S.H.I.E.L.D..
"Why do you suddenly have time to visit me?"
"It's like this, old Director." Nick Fury blurted out the pre-prepared speech.
"A few days ago, S.H.I.E.L.D. spent 1 billion pounds to buy a piece of information from a group of You-Know-Who."
"According to the address provided by You-Know-Who, we found Captain Rogers, who had been missing for many years..."
Upon hearing this, Peggy Carter suddenly stood up, no longer looking frail and old, but she seemed too excited and suddenly couldn't speak clearly.
"He... He... He..."
"Old Director, Captain Rogers is still alive, and he has already joined our S.H.I.E.L.D., but..."
Hearing that her beloved was still alive, Peggy Carterseemed to have unburdened herself, and her entire being relaxed considerably.
"But what?"
Nick Fury gave an awkward smile: "Influenced by certain individuals, Captain Rogers seems to have misunderstood me, which is why I wanted to trouble you, old friend... for help..."
Whenever he thought of this, he wanted to kill Murdoch; it seemed he was naturally at odds with Murdoch, and so many good things were ruined because of that guy.
Ever since Murdoch became a Security Council member and was responsible for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s fund approval, Nick Fury couldn't even find a single opportunity for corruption.
Not only that, he also had to find ways to cover up the previous bad debts and financial holes.
Looking at the hopeful eyes of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s successor Director, Peggy Carter nodded helplessly.
"I'll write him a letter... you take it back."
Chapter 137 What Are You Afraid of?
I'll write him a letter… You take it back."
In Peggy's view, Nick Fury was not inherently bad, but his methods were somewhat unsavory, and he was a Black man.
For her lover, a white man from Brooklyn, a Black leader was somewhat less than friendly.
Not directly whipping Fury a few times, Steve had already shown — considerable restraint.
"Old Director, thank you so much."
Nick Fury believed that with the old Director's connection, bringing Captain America under his command… would not be a problem.
However, before he could even dream of the future, Peggy Carter's next words were like a basin of ice water poured over his head, making Fury feel a bone-chilling cold.
"I received news that HYDRA is still active…"
Nick Fury's expression changed drastically: "How is that possible? Old Director, wasn't HYDRA eliminated by Captain Rogers and you together?"
Peggy Carter waved her hand and said, "Not the HYDRA you are familiar with, but another one…"
Nick Fury strongly resisted blurting out — 'Motherf*cker,' but instead asked in confusion.
"Old Director? Another HYDRA?"
Holy crab, it's really like cutting off one head and two more growing back.
It's endless!
"Hmm." Peggy Carter fell into reminiscence: "The HYDRA led by Red Skull back then was merely established by imitating the operational philosophy of the orthodox HYDRA."
"The true HYDRA has always been lurking in the shadows, only to welcome the return of Hydra Prime."
A bewildered Nick Fury became even more bewildered: "Old Director, what is Hydra Prime?"
Peggy Carter sighed: "The person selling the information demands 1 billion pounds before they will tell me — what Hydra Prime is!"
Such a familiar method made Nick Fury instantly recall something: "High Table??"
"Hmm?" Peggy stared intently at the younger Director: "Fury, you also know about the High Table?"
"Old Director, these are the guys who sold Captain America's whereabouts to S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Oh?" Peggy frowned: "It seems now that this so-called High Table is neither friend nor foe; they sell any information for money."
Since hearing that HYDRA was still active, Nick Furyrecovered from his initial panic.
Now is not World War II; with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s current strength, HYDRA would only become a stepping stone for his promotion and salary increase.
Thinking of this, Fury quickly asked: "Old Director, do you know which areas this current HYDRA is mainly active in?"
"Sokovia."
Silently noting down the address, Nick Fury shared some intelligence with the old Director before deciding to take his leave.
"Old Director, the HYDRA matter is of great importance; I need to return to S.H.I.E.L.D. quickly."
Peggy Carter handed the letter she had written to her lover to Fury, and then added another instruction.
"Fury, before you are fully prepared to completely eliminate them, remember not to spread the word. There might already be hidden HYDRA Agents within S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Don't worry, I still have that level of vigilance."
Nick Fury dared not delay for a moment, directly taking a Quinjet back to New York, and immediately summoned all his trusted confidants.
Natasha, who had just been promoted to Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., awkwardly discovered — becoming Deputy Director still couldn't guarantee the freedom to sleep.
Simply because… the Director had an urgent contact.
It wasn't a general S.H.I.E.L.D. meeting, but only a few trusted confidants, summoned by a certain Black man from their sleep to a — secret safe house.
Seeing all his confidants present, Nick Fury said in a deep voice: "I apologize for disturbing your rest."
At the table, Coulson was listlessly lowering his head, Hawkeye had his eyes closed in meditation, Natashawas yawning… Captain America sat expressionlessly.
During his trip to England, Nick Fury successfully obtained the letter Peggy Carter had written to Captain America.
He specifically called Captain America over to demonstrate his gentle approach in front of his confidants.
See how good I, the Director, am to you all.
You should work hard to repay the Director's kindness.
"Captain Rogers, this is a letter from Old Director Peggy Carter, written to you…"
Steve paused for a few seconds as he took the envelope, but he didn't open it immediately as they had expected; instead, he put it in his pocket.
"This…" Nick Fury had to stop his gentle approach, and his tone shifted.
"The reason I called everyone here so late is because I received news — currently, HYDRA is still active around the World."
Such explosive news instantly swept away the drowsiness of everyone present.
Not only were they no longer sleepy, but they even widened their eyes: "HYDRA? The HYDRA that was eliminated?"
"Yes, HYDRA."
"Fury, is the information reliable?"
Nick Fury paused, then said: "The information received by Old Director Carter has been confirmed."
"We suspect — there is a high probability of HYDRAmoles within S.H.I.E.L.D., which is why we called everyone here so late to discuss."
Coulson was the first to speak: "For such a major matter, I think we should first inform the Security Council."
Hearing this, Nick Fury raised an eyebrow: "Deputy Director Natasha, what do you think?"
"Fury, if the scope of HYDRA remnants' activities has been confirmed, I suggest eliminating them as soon as possible."
As the two exchanged questions and answers, the discussions gradually grew louder. During this time, no one mentioned reporting to the Security Council again.
Amidst the discussions, Steve sat motionless, like an outsider.
Steve now understood: this S.H.I.E.L.D. Director was forming factions and small groups.
Upon receiving news that HYDRA was still active, he not only didn't report to the Security Councilimmediately, but he didn't even convene an internal S.H.I.E.L.D. meeting.
Instead, he only called three Agents…
"What exactly are you afraid of?"
A sudden question interrupted the discussion.
Steve looked at Nick Fury and asked again: "Why don't you inform the Security Council when you receive such important news?"
"Why don't you report to the Hua Shi Ren?"
"Why not convene a S.H.I.E.L.D. general meeting for discussion?"
"What exactly are you afraid of?"
"I…" Nick Fury was clearly intimidated by Captain America's presence; his mouth hung open for a long time, unable to articulate a reason.
At this moment, Coulson's eyes, as he looked at Captain America, were sparkling.
As expected of an idol, scolding the Director like a naughty child.
It's so damn cool.
When would he, Coulson, ever dare to question his superior like that?
Finally, Nick Fury voiced his concern: "I'm afraid… there are HYDRA Agents within S.H.I.E.L.D. What if they get the news…"
Steve retorted: "So what?"
"What can they do even if they know? Just because we're afraid of choking, do we stop eating?"
Bang! Steve slapped the table and stood up: "How can there be such a principle in this World?!"
"I only have one principle for HYDRA: just do it."